Skip to content

‘996’ work culture pushes young Chinese to smaller towns

Reflecting a broader trend, many young Chinese professionals are leaving the high-pressure “996” work culture of big cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen for smaller towns, driven by the high cost of living and a slowing economy. The backlash against long working hours has intensified, exemplified by public outrage over Baidu executive Qu Jing’s controversial comments on work expectations. While the urban-rural gap in amenities has narrowed, some analysts warn that this shift might be temporary, with workers likely returning to larger cities when the economy improves.

Get more news based on your interests